Italian Antipasto Skewers with Marinated Tortellini and Mozzarella

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Looking for an appetizer that combines beauty, bold Italian flavors, and effortless prep? These Italian Antipasto Skewers with Marinated Tortellini and Mozzarella are your new go-to party pleaser. Each skewer is stacked with juicy cherry tomatoes, briny olives, savory salami, creamy mozzarella, and tangy marinated tortellini — a symphony of taste and texture in every bite. Perfect for entertaining or a light snack, they bring a burst of Mediterranean flair to any table.

Whether you’re hosting a summer BBQ, planning a festive holiday spread, or looking for a fresh twist on classic antipasto, these skewers are versatile enough to fit any occasion. They require no oven, can be prepped ahead, and are easy to grab and enjoy — making them a favorite among guests and home cooks alike.

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Why You’ll Love This Italian Antipasto Skewers with Marinated Tortellini and Mozzarella

• No-Cook Simplicity: Just assemble and serve. The hardest part is deciding which one to eat first!
• Packed with Flavor: Each skewer delivers the perfect combo of creamy, salty, tangy, and herby goodness.
• Customizable: Swap out ingredients with your favorites — like prosciutto, pepperoncini, or artichoke hearts.
• Great for Meal Prep: Make ahead and store chilled until serving time.
• Visually Stunning: The vibrant colors and textures will steal the show on any platter.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before you start assembling, a few key tools will make the process smoother:

• 12-Inch Wooden Skewers: These are the base of your antipasto structure. Make sure they’re sturdy and splinter-free.
• Mixing Bowl: For tossing the tortellini in marinade to absorb all that Italian herby goodness.
• Colander: Essential for draining your tortellini and olives without the mess.
• Cutting Board and Knife: For slicing salami or halving ingredients like cherry tomatoes, if needed.
• Small Serving Platter or Tray: For a clean and beautiful presentation.

Each of these tools plays a role in efficiency and presentation, helping you build skewers that are not just tasty but also showcase-worthy.

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Ingredients for the Italian Antipasto Skewers with Marinated Tortellini and Mozzarella

• Cheese Tortellini: Cooked and marinated, these are the heart of your skewer with a chewy, cheesy bite.
• Mozzarella Balls (Ciliegine): These mini mozzarella bites add a soft, milky contrast to the bold flavors.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Bursting with freshness and color.
• Salami Slices: Brings savory and slightly spicy depth.
• Green and Kalamata Olives: Adds saltiness and a briny balance.
• Fresh Basil Leaves: Adds an aromatic freshness and elevates presentation.
• Italian Dressing or Homemade Herb Marinade: For marinating the tortellini and brushing over finished skewers.

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How To Make the Italian Antipasto Skewers with Marinated Tortellini and Mozzarella

Step 1: Marinate the Tortellini

Once the tortellini is cooked and drained, toss it in your favorite Italian dressing or homemade herb marinade. Let it chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes so it soaks up all the flavor.

Step 2: Prep the Ingredients

While the tortellini is marinating, rinse the cherry tomatoes, slice the salami in half and fold into quarters, and drain the olives. If needed, pat dry the mozzarella.

Step 3: Assemble the Skewers

Start building each skewer by alternating the ingredients. A good pattern is: tortellini, salami, mozzarella, olive, tomato, and basil. Repeat the pattern or mix it up based on your preferences.

Step 4: Final Brush of Flavor

Once assembled, lightly brush the skewers with more marinade or Italian dressing to give them a glossy, flavorful finish.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

Arrange the skewers on a serving platter, cover, and refrigerate until ready to serve. They can be made up to a day ahead.

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How to Serve and Store Italian Antipasto Skewers

Serve these antipasto skewers chilled or at room temperature on a large platter for easy grabbing. They pair beautifully with a glass of white wine, a crisp Italian soda, or a bubbly Prosecco.

If you’re hosting, place a few basil leaves and drizzle of balsamic glaze on the platter for added flair. They make a perfect centerpiece on a charcuterie board.

For storing, keep the assembled skewers in an airtight container or wrap the platter tightly with plastic wrap. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. If making ahead, it’s best to add the basil leaves just before serving to keep them fresh.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How far in advance can I make these skewers?

You can make them up to 24–48 hours in advance. Just store them chilled and covered to preserve freshness.

Can I use frozen tortellini?

Absolutely. Cook it according to the package instructions, then marinate and cool it completely before assembling.

What can I use instead of salami?

Prosciutto, pepperoni, or even grilled chicken slices work well as substitutes for salami.

Do I need to cook the mozzarella balls?

Nope! Ciliegine mozzarella balls are ready to eat and require no cooking.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes! Simply omit the salami and double up on the veggies or add marinated artichoke hearts and roasted red peppers.

Will the skewers get soggy if made ahead?

Not if you pat the ingredients dry and avoid overdressing them. Basil can wilt, so add it fresh before serving.

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Want More Appetizer Ideas with a Mediterranean Flair?

If these Italian Antipasto Skewers hit the spot, you’ll love these easy, flavor-packed bites too:

• Cheesy Garlic Chicken Wraps for a warm, cheesy handheld snack.
• Spicy Ranch Taco Dip with bold Tex-Mex flavors.
• Green Olive and Feta Cheese Dip perfect for dipping bread or crackers.
• Rotel Chicken Salad Dip for a creamy-meets-zesty twist.
• Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Creamy Alfredo Tortellini if you want to double down on tortellini love.

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📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest appetizer board so you can come back to it anytime: Kitchen by Kate on Pinterest

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go with spicy salami or a veggie version? Did you add roasted peppers or drizzle with balsamic?

I love seeing how others bring their own twist to these crowd-pleasers. Got questions? Drop them below and let’s chat antipasto magic.

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